Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club (KCCA FC) manager Mike Mutebi believes they are now a better side than when they started their continental journey early this year.KCCA have since played six continental matches, four in the Caf Champions League and two in the Confederation Cup.
The latest set of matches have culminated in KCCA eliminating Egyptian side, Al-Masry, 4-3 on penalties after an aggregate score of 1-1 to progress to the Confederation Cup group stage.
Mutebi says these six matches only work to continue growing his players individually and as a team.
“I’m delighted that we managed to make it to the group stage,” he said, “I believe the continent will help the players grow and have more experience.
“The belief that they have rubbed shoulders with the best teams gives them more confidence and to me that is important.”
Mutebi, however, believes the journey is gradual.
“You do not jump, you start by walking. So the emphasis is to try and retain the league title and perform well in the Uganda Cup. Playing on the continent is an additional incentive,” Mutebi indicated.
KCCA, who returned home on Monday morning, now shift focus to the domestic league where they welcome URA to Phillip Omondi Stadium on Wednesday as they try to clear a fixture congestion.
The league champions trail leaders SC Villa by a point and three matches and with also a Uganda Cup game backlog, and the continent next month, it cannot get more congested for KCCA.
But coach Mutebi says they are prepared for the challenge.
“We did not reach reach here by accident,” he said, “We planned for this challenge.”